JOHN & CORAL'S OCTOBERFEST 2009

It's been two years since John and Coral organised their last Octoberfest at the Club and we had all heard big things about how good the last one was.

So we were expecting a lot .... and believe me, we were not disappointed!

Sid and John and others had been up at the Club for two days putting up the decorations which were all very Germanic in red black and yellow.

We were greeted at the door by a buxon blonde German fraulein who offered us a glass of gluwein to start the evening off in the right spirit.

Ken seemed particularly enamoured of her .... and no wonder!

A very dashing Herren Gerry and bewitching Fraulein Coral compered the event with music organised by Gustaf (alias Guy) fresh from his hospital bed.

Robert and Judy had been to the mainland and laid in stocks of German beer for the night which proved very popular. So much so that we might stock Heineken from now on.

And in the kitchen Herren Johann was being ably assisted by Frau Marlene and the Herr Providor.

Guests of honour were Life Member George Vermassen and his wife Inge who were welcomed to the Club by Vice Commodore Ole.

There were over sixty members and their guests enjoying the night's frivolity ...

In between courses, there was time for a few German dances ... the hat dance and, of course, everyone's favourite, the Chicken Dance .... How many versions did Guy managed to produce by the end of the night? Did you hear the Marching Chicken Dance??

The Commodore found a delightful fraulein to keep him company .... Fraulein Margarethe, I believe, all the way from Germany to sell tickets in our Christmas raffle.

And the inevitable sculling competition .......

(Why weren''t the ladies invited to join in? Oh, yes, we're ladies!!)

George & Inge even had time for a polka or two ... too nimble on their feet for my camera, I'm afraid, so the shot is somewhat blurry.

And last but not least, the men with the biggest steins ....

Sid, I can see you hiding behind that monster stein! But did you really drink all that beer?

Guy and his mate worked out it took 3 Heinekins per stein. Which probably explains why they walked home.

Great night, everyone. Roll on next year!!

!